https://detroit.wiki/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Detroit_SOUP_modelDetroit SOUP model - Revision history2026-05-25T08:14:11ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.42.3https://detroit.wiki/index.php?title=Detroit_SOUP_model&diff=2274&oldid=prevMotorCityBot: Bot: B article — Detroit.Wiki2026-03-20T20:11:25Z<p>Bot: B article — Detroit.Wiki</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>Detroit SOUP is a crowd-funding initiative that began in Detroit, Michigan, in 2010, designed to directly fund projects proposed by members of the local community. Attendees pay a small fee – initially $5 – for a meal of soup, salad, and the opportunity to vote for their preferred project from a selection of pitches. The model has since been replicated in numerous cities worldwide, demonstrating its adaptability and potential for localized community development.<br />
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== History ==<br />
Detroit SOUP was founded in February 2010 by Amy Kaherl in the Mexicantown neighborhood of Detroit <ref>{{cite web |title=Detroit Soup |url=https://www.buildinstitute.org/fund/detroit-soup/ |work=Build Institute |access-date=2026-02-25}}</ref>. Kaherl sought a method to take crowdfunding initiatives out of the digital realm and foster direct engagement within the community. Inspired by similar concepts, she launched a series of monthly dinners where individuals could present ideas for improving Detroit. Kate Daughdrill also experienced the initial dinner and contributed to the early development of the concept <ref>{{cite web |title=Detroit Soup |url=https://www.buildinstitute.org/fund/detroit-soup/ |work=Build Institute |access-date=2026-02-25}}</ref>.<br />
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The initial impetus behind Detroit SOUP was to support local artists in fulfilling their creative ambitions <ref>{{cite web |title=Can soup change the world? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31594513 |work=bbc.com |access-date=2026-02-25}}</ref>. However, the scope of projects quickly expanded beyond the arts to encompass a wide range of community-based initiatives. By 2017, Detroit SOUP and its affiliated groups had sponsored over 150 dinners and distributed more than $132,600 in micro-grants <ref>{{cite web |title=Every dollar counts: Detroit SOUP and the impact of micro-grants |url=https://modeldmedia.com/detroit-soup-impact-041717/ |work=modeldmedia.com |access-date=2026-02-25}}</ref>. As of 2016, the concept had spread internationally, with nine affiliated “SOUP” organizations operating in cities around the globe <ref>{{cite web |title=The soup revolution: changing cities over dinner, from Detroit to ... |url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/aug/01/soup-revolution-changing-cities-over-dinner-detroit-liverpool |work=theguardian.com |access-date=2026-02-25}}</ref>.<br />
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== Culture ==<br />
The Detroit SOUP model emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity. The $5 entry fee, which covers the cost of soup, salad, and voting rights, is intentionally kept low to encourage broad participation <ref>{{cite web |title=Every dollar counts: Detroit SOUP and the impact of micro-grants |url=https://modeldmedia.com/detroit-soup-impact-041717/ |work=modeldmedia.com |access-date=2026-02-25}}</ref>. The dinners are designed to be informal and welcoming, fostering a sense of community among attendees. The atmosphere is often described as lively and engaging, with attendees bringing additional food items to share.<br />
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A key element of the Detroit SOUP format is the strict time limit imposed on project pitches – no more than four minutes – and the subsequent question-and-answer session, limited to four questions from the audience <ref>{{cite web |title=Can soup change the world? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31594513 |work=bbc.com |access-date=2026-02-25}}</ref>. This constraint encourages presenters to be concise and focused in their proposals. The use of presentation tools like PowerPoint is prohibited, emphasizing the importance of direct communication and personal connection. The voting process is similarly straightforward, with attendees casting ballots for their preferred project.<br />
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== Economy ==<br />
Detroit SOUP operates on a micro-grant model, distributing relatively small amounts of funding – typically raised from the entry fees collected at each dinner – directly to community projects <ref>{{cite web |title=Every dollar counts: Detroit SOUP and the impact of micro-grants |url=https://modeldmedia.com/detroit-soup-impact-041717/ |work=modeldmedia.com |access-date=2026-02-25}}</ref>. While the individual grant amounts may be modest, the cumulative impact of the initiative has been significant, with over $85,000 raised by the 95th event in 2016 <ref>{{cite web |title=Can soup change the world? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31594513 |work=bbc.com |access-date=2026-02-25}}</ref>. This funding supports a diverse range of projects, contributing to local economic development and community revitalization.<br />
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The model’s success lies in its ability to mobilize resources directly from the community, bypassing traditional funding mechanisms. This approach empowers local residents to identify and address their own needs, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Detroit SOUP has also served as a catalyst for other community-based initiatives, demonstrating the power of collective action and participatory budgeting. The initiative has grown to the point where running the movement is a full-time job for founder Amy Kaherl <ref>{{cite web |title=Can soup change the world? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31594513 |work=bbc.com |access-date=2026-02-25}}</ref>.<br />
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== Geography ==<br />
Detroit SOUP originated in the Mexicantown neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan <ref>{{cite web |title=Detroit Soup |url=https://www.buildinstitute.org/fund/detroit-soup/ |work=Build Institute |access-date=2026-02-25}}</ref>. The initial dinners were held in various locations within the neighborhood, utilizing community spaces and vacant buildings. The choice of Mexicantown as the starting point reflects the area’s strong sense of community and its history of grassroots activism.<br />
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The Detroit SOUP model has proven to be highly adaptable and has been successfully replicated in numerous cities beyond Detroit. The concept has spread internationally, with affiliated “SOUP” organizations operating in locations such as Liverpool, England <ref>{{cite web |title=The soup revolution: changing cities over dinner, from Detroit to ... |url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/aug/01/soup-revolution-changing-cities-over-dinner-detroit-liverpool |work=theguardian.com |access-date=2026-02-25}}</ref>. These geographically diverse iterations of Detroit SOUP demonstrate the universal appeal of the model and its potential for addressing local challenges in different contexts. The model has also expanded within the metropolitan Detroit area, with events held in cities like Hamtramck <ref>{{cite web |title=Every dollar counts: Detroit SOUP and the impact of micro-grants |url=https://modeldmedia.com/detroit-soup-impact-041717/ |work=modeldmedia.com |access-date=2026-02-25}}</ref>.<br />
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== See Also ==<br />
[[Community development]]<br />
[[Crowdfunding]]<br />
[[Detroit]]<br />
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